06 August 2008
Geological Disposal Consultations Launched
The NDA has published consultation documents on its framework for stakeholder engagement and communication during development of the geological disposal facility; and proposals for sustainability appraisal and environmental assessment as part of implementing geological disposal.
12 June 2008
2007 Radioactive Waste Inventory Published
NDA publishes latest and most up-to-date record about the type, quantity and whereabouts of radioactive waste in the UK.
01 April 2008
Plutonium Disposition Advice
Expressions of interest are sought to build on NDA's current knowledge and previous macro-economic study and explore the high level options further.
20 March 2008
Magnox Operating Programme (MOP8) Published
In conjunction with Magnox South, Magnox North and Sellafield Ltd, the NDA has published the eighth update of The Magnox Operating Programme (MOP).
11 January 2008
NDA Response to Government Statement on New Build
The Government’s announcement on a new programme of nuclear power stations raises some important questions for the NDA.
The UK has large stocks of
- spent nuclear fuel;
- uranic materials;
- plutonium (from the reprocessing of spent fuel);
- Magnox Depleted Uranium (MDU – a by-product of Magnox reprocessing);and
- "hex tails" (a by-product of the uranium enrichment process).
We will continue to ensure that nuclear materials are stored
- safely;
- securely; and
- without endangering the environment for this and future generations.
We will provide advice, as appropriate, to the Government's Energy Policy Review.
We will engage with the Management of Nuclear Materials Issue Group of the recently established UK National Stakeholder Group to consider the most effective management strategies for civil nuclear materials.
| Key Issues | Our Approach | |
| Uranics | The proportions of uranic materials to be regarded as strategic stock (for example, as a potential future energy source) or waste. Whether we should look for a third party to deal with conversion of the hex tails into a passively safe form. | We propose to discuss with the Government what proportion of civil owned material should be retained as a potential energy source. We will seek appropriate solutions for dealing with uranics such as
|
| Plutonium | The proportions of the plutonium stock to be regarded as strategic stock or waste. How and when plutonium belonging to overseas customers should be returned to them: The Government’s policy is for the return of plutonium derived from THORP reprocessing as MOX fuel for electricity generation. However, the ability to do this will depend on the successful commissioning of the Sellafield MOX plant. The disposition options for UK plutonium that is declared as waste. | We propose to discuss with the Government
|